Cotton Bowl 2015: Top Prospects to Watch in Michigan State vs. Alabama
The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry has had an excellent season for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he's not considered one of the top pro prospects in the Cotton Bowl/national semifinal against the Michigan State Spartans on New Year's Eve.
At 6'3", 242 pounds, Henry is massive for his position, and he's proven to be durable.
However, there are questions about his burst. Former NFL scout Dan Hatman told Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Henry looks like a fourth-round pick. It wouldn't be the first time a Heisman winner was humbled by the draft process. Since 2000, there have been four Heisman winners drafted in the third round or later. Jason White of the Oklahoma Sooners, who won the award in 2003, wasn't drafted at all.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
There are four players set to compete in the Cotton Bowl/national semifinal who will not be on the board into the fourth round.
Reggie Ragland, ILB
Alabama's defense is perhaps the nation's best unit. One of its leaders is senior inside linebacker Reggie Ragland. At 6'2", 252 pounds, Ragland is strong enough to take on blockers and shed them to penetrate into the offensive backfield.
Ragland has most of the physical skills to succeed, but his leadership abilities are just as attractive. Per Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News, Ragland talked about the difference between this year's team and the one that fell short in 2014.
"Everybody on the team knew that leadership wasn't the right way (last year). But some guys can't say nothing about it. But now I can say something because I'm a leader. And I feel like, if I don't like something, I'm going to say it. The guys on the team know we got to do this the right way, because the right way gets it done. The wrong way doesn't. Guys are very focused in coming in on the plane and all. So I can tell my guys are ready already.
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Ragland will be charged with keeping his team focused and performing at a high level against the Spartans. He'll be looking to make one final statement before he moves on to the next level.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT
The 6'3", 312-pound A'Shawn Robinson looks like the rare defensive tackle capable of being just as effective against the pass as he is the run. Robinson had 3.5 sacks this season and 7.5 tackles for loss, according to cfbstats.com.
The junior is part of a dominant defense, but his presence on the inside makes his teammates' jobs a little easier. Robinson must be accounted on every play, and that could mean the Spartans will have to double-team him.
The extra blocker assigned to keep Robinson in the backfield helps to provide Ragland and other linebackers a path into the backfield. Here's what CBS Sports' Dane Brugler said are Robinson's greatest strengths:
"Built like a vending machine with proportionate bulk, strength and balance to be effective as a pass rusher and run stopper. He has the upper-body strength to push the pocket and not only does he test well physically, but his coaches say he's one of the most intelligent on the team.
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Connor Cook, QB
Connor Cook has the best opportunity to make a statement to NFL scouts. He's already considered by many to be among the top two or three QB prospects in the upcoming draft. If he were to have a big game against the Crimson Tide defense, it would be a great way to punctuate his collegiate career.
The senior has never proven to be the most accurate passer. In four years in East Lansing, Cook has never had a season with a completion rate of 60 percent or more. Still, he threw 24 touchdown passes in 2015 to only five interceptions, according to cfbstats.com.
As of now, he might be looked at as more of a game manager, but he could potentially raise his ceiling in the eyes of NFL teams with a good performance in the Cotton Bowl.
Jack Conklin, OT
At 6'6", 318 pounds, Jack Conklin has the size to play either offensive tackle spot in the NFL. He'll get a significant test in the Cotton Bowl against a defense that ranks No. 1 in the nation in sacks.
If Conklin and his teammates fail to protect Cook, a blow could be dealt to him and his quarterback's draft stock. If Conklin doesn't play well, it's unlikely he'll fail because of a lack of effort. His intangibles are exemplary, and that's one of the things that should have scouts excited.
He hasn't officially announced his intentions to enter the 2016 NFL draft. The way he plays against Bama may or may not affect his decision.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
